NCAA D2 History
NCAA D2 is considered a “middle” level of 4-year collegiate athletic competition. It officially became ‘D2’ in 1973 when the University and Collegiate divisions were renamed. Prior to that, it was known as the Collegiate division from 1962-1973. The Collegiate division was then separated into schools that wanted to offer athletic scholarships and those that didn’t. Those that did are part of D2.
NCAA Established
Wrestling becomes 3rd sponsored sport
Collegiate Division
NCAA splits the national championship into University (D1) and Collegiate divisions (D2).
First Champs
The first D2 collegiate division national championship is conducted with Western Colorado winning the team title.
D1 Champ
Bill Dotson is the first to win the D1 title as a D2 (collegiate division) wrestler.
3x Champ
Stan Dziedzic of Slippery ROck becomes the first 3x National Champ.
4x Champ
Wrestling for Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Tim Wright wins his 4th title to be the first.
6x Champ
Carlton Haselrig of Pitt-Johnstown wins his 3rd consecutive national title at BOTH D2 & D1.
4x Undefeated
Joey Davis wrestling for Notre Dame (OH) becomes the first 4x Undefeated (131-0) champ.
No Tournament
The National tournament is canceled due to the COVID pandemic.